candidate species: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2 (Low)Formal, Technical (mainly scientific, policy, and environmental discourse)
Quick answer
What does “candidate species” mean?
A species that is under consideration for a formal conservation designation or legal protection, but has not yet received it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A species that is under consideration for a formal conservation designation or legal protection, but has not yet received it.
In a broader sense, a species identified as a potential subject for action, study, or inclusion in a specific category, often due to evidence of decline, vulnerability, or taxonomic uncertainty. Also used metaphorically in non-biological contexts for something being considered for a status.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used in international conservation frameworks. Minor spelling differences (e.g., 'programme' vs. 'program') may appear in surrounding text.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both variants. Carries connotations of scientific review, bureaucratic process, and potential urgency for conservation.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language but standard in technical ecological and conservation biology literature globally.
Grammar
How to Use “candidate species” in a Sentence
[The committee] identified [the frog] as a candidate species.[Species X] was listed as a candidate species [for protection].[Candidate species] are reviewed [annually].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “candidate species” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The agency will candidate the species for review next quarter. (Rare/technical use)
American English
- The team recommended candidating the newly discovered mussel. (Rare/technical use)
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form for this noun phrase]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form for this noun phrase]
adjective
British English
- The candidate-species list is published annually. (Hyphenated attributive use)
- They reviewed the candidate species proposal.
American English
- The candidate species list is under review. (Often unhyphenated)
- We attended the candidate species workshop.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in CSR/environmental impact reports: 'The project area contains no listed or candidate species.'
Academic
Primary context. Used in ecology, biology, environmental science papers and policy analyses discussing conservation status assessments.
Everyday
Very rare. Might appear in high-level news reports on environmental issues.
Technical
Core context. Used in legislation (e.g., U.S. Endangered Species Act), IUCN documentation, government agency reports, and conservation management plans.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “candidate species”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “candidate species”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “candidate species”
- Using 'candidate species' interchangeably with 'endangered species' (the latter is a formal designation).
- Misplacing the plural 's' (e.g., 'candidates species' is incorrect).
- Using it in non-technical contexts where 'potential' or 'proposed' would be clearer.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, it receives limited or no substantive legal protection, but its status triggers review processes and may offer some procedural safeguards. This varies by jurisdiction.
An 'endangered species' has been formally listed after a full review and receives legal protections. A 'candidate species' is being considered for such listing but has not yet been formally designated.
Yes, metaphorically. For example, in business: 'Several technologies are candidate species for our new investment portfolio.' It retains the sense of being under consideration for a specific category.
Usually, government agencies (e.g., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) or international scientific bodies (e.g., IUCN Specialist Groups) based on petitions and biological data.
A species that is under consideration for a formal conservation designation or legal protection, but has not yet received it.
Candidate species is usually formal, technical (mainly scientific, policy, and environmental discourse) in register.
Candidate species: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkæn.dɪ.deɪt ˈspiː.ʃiːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæn.dɪ.deɪt ˈspiː.ʃiːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a political candidate: they are running for office (a formal position). A 'candidate species' is running for a spot on the official list of protected species.
Conceptual Metaphor
BUREAUCRATIC PROCESS IS A RACE / REVIEW IS A FILTER. The species is an applicant for a protected status 'job' or is passing through a sieve of evaluation.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary implication of labeling a species a 'candidate species'?